My daughter has been at Lisa’s for a few months now and already we’re having such a positive experience. She is clear about wanting to encourage the children’s learning and development whilst working towards the next set of milestones whilst completely tailoring this to each child’s needs and personality.

My daughter started at Little Oaks at 16 months after our previous childminder unfortunately decided to close. Lisa already knew my daughter from the weekly playgroup and other outings they attend together. Shes was already very drawn to Lisa, as she says, she’s definitely a child magnet! I was put in contact with Lisa and immediately arranged a visit. After meeting with her I knew this arrangement was going to be the perfect fit.

I was incredibly anxious about her starting somewhere new at the age she was, being more aware of changes to her routine, but I immediately felt put at ease by Lisa. She arranged play dates with our previous childminder and made a point to interact with her at playgroup to get her more comfortable prior to her start date. We also had various settling in sessions which made the process an extremely smooth transition. Since starting the other children have been so friendly and welcoming and they’re loving helping take care of the littlest one.

My daughter was a bit nervous around dogs as she hadn’t been around many before and I flagged this with Lisa. She ensured they were introduced slowly and let my daughter warm up to Maggie. Her and Maggie soon became fast friends and now there’s nothing she loves more than being greeted by friendly Maggie at the front door.

Lisa’s passion and dedication for her career as well as her genuine love for the children is obvious. She puts so much time and care into the activities that are put together, always ensuring there are learning opportunities to be had. The children are frequently taken out on wonderful trips and are integrated well into the community. Lisa is involved with many of the other local childminders and regularly meets up with them on days out ensuring the children are socialised in larger groups than just the more intimate childminder setting. They’re regularly taken to a playgroup with other childminders, an old peoples home to do fun activities and other local groups. As well they’re always going out on lovely day trips, nature walks and making use of Lisa’s well equipped garden.

The added extras are so thoughtful from providing ice packs when the weather is warm to the lending library outside her house. She provides all water bottles, coats and weather appropriate clothing so you just need to drop them off with their lunch box which reduces the mental load from parents.

Lisa’s communication is excellent and she’s always happy to answer any questions. The baby’s days app is used and updated throughout the day. I always look forward to the photo updates provided and you can see how nicely the children all interact with each other.

I feel so lucky that my child has been able to experience such a wonderful and caring childcare environment. I can see her thriving within Lisa’s setting already and I can’t wait to watch her confidence and abilities continue to grow whilst being supported by the lovely Lisa. It will always initially feel quite daunting to leave your baby in the care of someone else but I have no qualms sending her to Little Oaks. Lisa is truly the best and I would unequivocally recommend her to other parents.

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• Cleanliness
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• Communication